Debris Guide System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a system for aiding collection of debris comprising a rigid, unitary body further comprising a base and a shell. The base is substantially planar, having a proximal end portion and extends to a distal end portion. The base has a pair of edges extending longitudinally from its proximal end portion to its distal end portion. The shell has a proximal end portion and extends to a distal end portion and has a pair of edges extending longitudinally from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The shell has an elevated region extending between the pair of edges. The base joined to the shell at their respective corresponding edges, defining a cavity therein and defining a mouth at its proximal end, the mouth being contiguous with a debris channel, and the debris channel being contiguous with an outlet at the body&#39;s distal end.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for collecting debris, more specifically to system for aiding placement of debris into a disposal bag.

2. Description of the Related Art

A significant concern for home and landscaping business is the collection of debris from the area. After mowing a lawn, trimming bushes, trimming trees, or removing other landscaping debris, it may be necessary to remove a significant volume of debris. This is usually done by placing the debris in a flexible disposal bag, such as a trash bag, for eventual transport and disposal. This task can be both time intensive and manpower intensive. Particularly, it is difficult to place the debris in the trash bag. In a home environment, this is often accomplished by placing a trash bag as a liner in the interior of an upright trash receptacle. A first person then typically uses a rake to direct the debris to the area of the trash receptacle. Next, the person bends over and scoops a portion of the debris and uses a hand or other device to keep the debris in contact with the rake. Then the debris is lifted to and placed inside the trash bag. It may be necessary for a second person to keep the trash open for receipt of the debris while the first person places the debris in the trash bag. In a business environment, machinery such as lawn mowers or tractors are commonly used for the process of collecting debris.

There is a need for a device which enables debris to be readily guided into a flexible disposal bag without resort to complex machinery. This invention addresses that issue.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a system for aiding collection of debris comprising a rigid, unitary body further comprising a base and a shell. The base is substantially planar, having a proximal end portion and extending to a distal end portion. The base has a pair of edges extending longitudinally from its proximal end portion to its distal end portion. The shell has a proximal end portion and extends to a distal end portion and has a pair of edges extending longitudinally from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The shell has an elevated region extending between the pair of longitudinal edges. The base joined to the shell at their respective corresponding edges, defining a cavity therein and defining a mouth at its proximal end, the mouth being contiguous with a debris channel, and the debris channel being contiguous with an outlet at the body's distal end.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B depicts an exploded top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 depicts a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of an alternate configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of yet another alternate configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the debris guide 10 according to the current invention is illustrated. The debris guide 10 is intended for use with any disposal bag 08 for holding debris. The debris guide 10 is typically inserted into the hollow interior of the disposal bag 08 and rests on a surface. The debris guide 10 system includes a body 14 and a disposal bag 08. The disposal bag 08 is flexible and designed for holding debris for later disposal. It may be made of plastics, such as polyethylene, cloth, or other suitable materials.

The body 14 further includes a base 12 and a shell 16. The base 12 is a rigid, substantially planar surface having proximal and distal ends and a pair of edges extending longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end and also having an upper and lower surface. The base 12 also has a first edge on its proximal end and a second edge on its distal end. Optionally, the base 12 may incorporate a frictional region on its lower surface. The base 12 preferably incorporates ridges 13 comprised of a length of material extending downwardly and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal edges, providing higher frictional resistance to longitudinal travel of the base 12 while the base 12 is resting on a surface.

The shell 16 is a rigid segment of material having proximal and distal ends and a pair of edges extending longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end. The shell 16 also has a first edge on its proximal end and a second edge on its distal end. The shell 16 includes an elevated region spanning the longitudinal edges. As depicted in FIG. 1, the shell is preferably arcuate. However, the cross-sectional profile of the raised region may be arcuate, angular (FIG. 3), semi-annular, or folded (FIG. 4) depending upon the desired configuration.

The lengths and widths of the base 12 and shell 16, as well the height of the shell 16 are dimensioned to both provide rigidity to the disposal bag 08 and maximally fill the disposal bag 08 with debris after the base 12 and shell 16 are joined. Preferably, the lengths of the base 12 and shell 16 are the same, as well as the width between the edge pairs. The longitudinal edges of the shell 16 are joined to the upper surface of the base 12 proximate the longitudinal edges of the base 12 proximate their respective longitudinal edges to form the unitary body 14, defining an interior space.

The joined edges of the proximal ends of each the base 12 and the shell 16 define a mouth 18 where debris can be introduced to the debris guide 10 system. Adjacent and continuous with the mouth 18 is the debris channel 20. This interior region provides a contiguous path for travel to the outlet 22, which is defined by the edges on the distal ends of the base 12 and the shell 16. Debris can be introduced through the mouth 18, travel through the debris channel 20, and exit through the outlet 22.

To further facilitate use of the system, the debris guide 10 may incorporate at least one grip 24, preferably at the proximal end of the body 14. The grip 24 may include a slot 25 for receipt of a portion of the disposal bag 08 in order to maintain the relative position of the top of the disposal bag 08 with the mouth 18. Alternatively, the slot 25 may be located elsewhere on the debris guide 10, such as the proximal end of the body 14.

To enable the debris guide to collapse to a smaller volume. The body 14 can optionally incorporate a joint 34 extending longitudinally from its proximal end to its distal end. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the joint 34 is incorporated into the shell 16, although it can be incorporated elsewhere in the body. The shell 16 is further comprised of opposing sections, with the opposing sections abutting each other at the peak of the arc to form the joint 34. Additional integrity of the body 14 may be maintained during operation by structures such as, but not limited to a protrusion extending from one section of the shell 16 into a recess of a second section of the shell 16. Another representative structure for providing additional integrity of the body 14 during operation is a mechanical fastener, where elements of the mechanical fasteners secure sections of the shell 16 to each other. Suitable mechanical fasteners include button fasteners or the like. Preferable mechanical fasteners are those which are detachably fastened to the body 14. The illustrated mechanical fastener 28 includes two opposing members, each secured to opposing sections of the shell 16, also abutting each other at a second joint, providing additional integrity. The two opposing members 28 also, act as a grip 28, where the user may also provide force for additional integrity of the body 14 during operation.

To operate the debris guide 08 system, a disposal bag 08 is provided. The debris guide is placed in the interior of the disposal bag 08 such that the outlet 22 is at the bottom of the disposal bag 08 and the mouth 18 is disposed near the opening of the disposal bag 08. A portion of the upper portion of the disposal bag 08 may be inserted through the slot 25. The base 12 of the body 14 is engaged to the surface. A quantity of debris is then introduced to the debris guide 08 through the mouth 18. The debris guide 08 and disposal bag 08 may then be placed upright. The debris guide 08 is slid upwardly and outwardly from the interior of the disposal bag 08, leaving the debris in the disposal bag 08.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for aiding collection of debris comprising: a rigid, unitary body comprising a base and a shell; said base being substantially planar, having a proximal end portion and extending to a distal end portion, said base having a pair of edges extending longitudinally from said proximal end portion to said distal end portion; said shell having a proximal end portion and extending to a distal end portion, said shell having a pair of edges extending longitudinally from said proximal end portion to said distal end portion, said shell having an elevated region extending between said pair of edges; said base joined to said shell at said respective, corresponding edges, defining a cavity therein; and joined base and shell defining a mouth at their proximal ends, said mouth contiguous with a debris channel, and said debris channel contiguous with an outlet at said base and shell's distal ends.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said shell is arcuate.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said shell is angular.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said shell is semi-annular.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said shell is folded.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a grip in said proximal end portion.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said grip further comprises a slot.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a slot in said proximal end portion.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said shell is comprised of plural sections abutting at a joint.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein a first section of said shell has a protruding edge and a section section of said shell has a recess adapted for receipt of said protrusion.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein said sections are secured by at least one mechanical fastener.
 12. The system of claim 9 further comprising a grip spanning said joint.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the lower surface of said base incorporates a frictional region.
 14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a disposal bag. 